News

Little Haven has UK’s first smoke-free beach

Published

9 years ago

March 9, 2016

Tom Sinclair

Little Haven

SMOKING and vaping are to be banned on one of the most popular and beautiful seaside destinations in Pembrokeshire, in an attempt by Pembrokeshire County Council to improve the wellbeing of children and young people.

The smoke-free scheme, which will be enforced on Little Haven beach, has been put in place following the council stating that they believe that children often start smoking due to seeing adults and other respectable figures smoking or vaping in family-friendly public places where they often frequent.

This beach smoking ban will be the first of its kind in Wales, and possibly on a larger scale in the whole of the UK, following Brighton considering a possible smoking ban but deciding against it.

Public area smoking bans in the past have been criticised by some who argue that enforcing such a law is an infringement on personal rights and freedom.
County Councillor Huw George, Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services, is launching the scheme.

He said: “We take public health very seriously. We want to do as much as we can to protect our children from smoking and to promote a healthy environment for all.

“Two-thirds of smokers start before the age of 18. We need to prevent children and young adults taking up the habit.

“We know children are at particular risk from second-hand smoke and that they are more likely to start smoking themselves if they see adults doing it in a family-friendly environment.

“It is vital to de-normalise smoking to reduce the rates of young people taking it up and also to reduce their expose to smoke and e-cigarette vapour in areas where they gather.”

Although during this ban no official penalty will be specified or enforced by law for smoking cigarettes, pipes, cigars or e-cigarettes on Little Haven beach, non-smoking signs will be in place around the area in a bid to deter anyone from sparking up.

The beach-going public will also be encouraged to self-police the new ban, persuading smokers to refrain from doing so on the beach where children are present.

Cllr George continued: “Anyone breaching the ban may be approached and politely requested not to smoke. It is similar to the ban on smoking in play areas across Wales.”

Teresa Owen, Director of Public Health for Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Anything which discourages smoking is a positive step forward.”

The smoking ban on Little Haven beach will be initially trialled for a year before being decided whether or not to keep the ban permanently.

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Crime

Mother admits to killing seven-year-old son in Haverfordwest

Published

1 day ago

November 22, 2024

Luke Sinclair

A mother has admitted to the manslaughter of her seven-year-old son at their home in Haverfordwest, citing diminished responsibility.

Papaipit Linse, 43, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Nov 22), where she denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Louis Linse. Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC confirmed the manslaughter plea would be accepted, stating it “did not come as a surprise” to the prosecution.

The incident occurred on 10 January when police were called to a property on Upper Market Street. Louis was rushed to Withybush General Hospital but tragically died shortly afterwards.

During the hearing, Linse, who spoke only to confirm her name and enter her pleas, was informed that she would be sentenced on 13 December. Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as “clearly a very sensitive as well as a very tragic case.”

The court was told that Linse is currently receiving treatment at the Caswell Clinic, a mental health facility in Bridgend. Psychiatric evidence is expected to be presented during the sentencing hearing to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Community

Council warns of icy conditions as temperatures drop

Published

2 days ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ROAD users in Pembrokeshire are being urged to exercise caution tonight as temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing.

Pembrokeshire County Council has announced that road surface temperatures could reach as low as -2°C, with the possibility of sleet or snow on higher ground. In response, precautionary salting of the county’s primary routes will be carried out this evening and overnight.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Road users are advised to take care if travelling on untreated roads.”

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead and drive carefully, particularly in areas that may not have been treated.

Stay tuned to The Herald for updates on road conditions and weather warnings.

Community

Stallholders wanted for Milford Haven Christmas Market

Published

2 days ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN BUSINESS CIRCLE is calling for stallholders to join the town’s festive Christmas Market, set to bring holiday cheer on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The market will take place at the Lower Charles Street Car Park, promising a vibrant mix of stalls and attractions. Organizers are seeking a variety of vendors, including those offering gifts, children’s toys and games, food, cakes, flowers, and more.

There’s also an open invitation for someone with small children’s rides to add to the festive fun. A highlight of the event will be the Grinch’s Grotto, offering an entertaining twist to this year’s celebrations.

If you’re interested in having a stall, contact the Milford Haven Business Circle via email at [email protected] for more information.